Bullying Prevention, Reporting, and Resources

Bullying Definitions & Policy

• Official Definition (DCSD Policy): “Bullying” means any written or oral expression, or physical or electronic act or gesture, including cyber-bullying, that meets all of the following characteristics: 
  • Is intentional, repeated or likely to be repeated, and marked by an imbalance of  power, including physical, social, or socio-economic power; and
  • Is intended to coerce, intimidate, or cause any physical, mental, or emotional harm to any student; and
  • Is sufficiently severe that it has the effect of: 
    • 1. Creating an intimidating, hostile, or significantly offensive environment for the learning or performance of school-sanctioned activities of any student; or 
    • 2. Unreasonably interfering with or disrupting the educational performance or participation in any other school-sanctioned activity of any student. 
• Prohibition Statement: We strictly prohibit bullying, any retaliation against those who report it, and the making of knowingly false accusations.
• Comprehensive Health Education: Bullying and violence prevention are integrated into our standards-based health curriculum, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons, and Wayfinder Lessons (see below) to help students master social and emotional wellness skills.

Prevention & Evidence-Based Programs

• Wayfinder: Our school utilizes Wayfinder as our primary evidence-based bullying prevention program.
• Proactive Efforts: We maintain a dedicated team to lead bullying prevention, conduct regular staff training, and survey students to monitor the frequency and severity of bullying within the school.

Reporting & Help for Students and Parents

• Reporting Channels: There are established, public ways for students and parents to report bullying behavior either indirectly or directly to school staff. Safe2Tell and direct conversation with teaching staff and counseling staff are the best avenues for students and parents to reach out in regard to bullying.  
  • Specific Steps Regarding Reporting Bullying:
    • Contact a trusted adult in your building
      • School Administrator
      • Teacher
      • Counselor
      • Support Staff
      • Mental Health
    • Safe-2-Tell 
    • Bullying Online Reporting Form
• Support for the Community: We provide specific supports and referrals for everyone involved, including:
  • Targets of Bullying: Support strategies designed to help students without increasing their likelihood of discipline.
  • Witnesses: Resources for those who observe bullying behavior.
  • Behavioral Change: Efforts to support and change the behavior of students who have engaged in bullying.

Our Response & Investigation Process

• Standard Procedures: Once a report is made, the school follows a set of investigative procedures to ensure all claims are handled thoroughly.
• Response Actions: We follow a structured response plan to address bullying behavior and ensure a safe learning environment for all students.

For further assistance or to report an incident, please contact the Cresthill Middle School administration office at 303-387-2805 or reach out to the District Compliance Officer (Aaron Henderson, complianceofficer@dcsdk12.org, 720-433-1083).

DCSD Website for Bully Prevention